Meningitis en el Hospital Nacional: VI muestra nacional de epidemiología / Meningitis in the National Hospital: VI national epidemiological sample

Introducción: las meningitis constituyen un importante problema de Salud Pública, que afectan de manera especial a los niños menores de 5 años. La etiología más frecuente es viral. Desde la introducción de la vacuna conjugada contra H. influenzae tipo b, S. pneumoniae y N. meningitidis los virus pasaron a ser los agentes más frecuentes. A nivel país, en 2014 y 2015, la etiología viral fue la más frecuente con valores de 69% y 77%, respectivamente, atribuyéndose a las bacterianas como segunda causa. Objetivos: describir las características epidemiológicas de las meningitis, en pacientes de todas las edades internados en el lapso de enero del 2014 a octubre del 2015 en el Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Paraguay. Metodología: estudio epidemiológico, descriptivo, transversal. Se incluye a pacientes de todas las edades que ingresaron con sospecha de meningitis y/o encefalitis en el periodo de estudio. Resultados: en el periodo de estudio ingresaron 173 casos probables de 201 casos sospechosos de meningitis correspondiendo al 0,5% (173/35140) de todos los ingresos hospitalarios. El grupo etario más afectado fue el de menores de 5 años y entre los mayores de 5 años el de 5 a 14 años. En el 53% procedieron del Departamento Central. Los cuadros clínicos fueron: 98 casos (57%) encefalitis viral, meningitis bacteriana aguda 65 casos (37%), 7 casos (4%) meningitis micótica (Criptococcus). Fallecieron 3 casos de encefalitis y 9 casos de meningitis bacteriana aguda. De 25 casos en edad de vacunarse, 52 % se vacunaron para H. influenzae b y 16% contra P. pneumoniae. No se ha registrado vacunación para N. meningitis en ningún caso. Conclusiones: la incidencia total de meningitis en este periodo de estudio fue de 173 casos. Más de la mitad de los casos fueron de etiología viral. La bacteria más frecuentemente identificada fue S. pneumoniae. En general el grupo de edad más afectado fue el de menores de 5 años. La letalidad fue de 3% en los casos de encefalitis viral, 14% en meningitis bacteriana aguda y 43% en meningitis a Criptococcus. Se desconoce el estado de vacunación de casi la mitad de los casos sobre todo de la antineumocóccica.

Introduction: Meningitis is an important public health problem, which affects children under 5 years of age. The most frequent etiology is viral. Since the introduction of the conjugate vaccine against H. b, S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis, they became the most frequent agents. In the hole country, in 2014 and 2015, the viral etiology was the most frequent with values ​​of 69% and 77%, respectively, being attributed to the bacterial ones as the second cause. Objectives: To know the epidemiological characteristics of meningitis in all ages hospitalized patients from January 2014 to October 2015 at the National Hospital of Itaugua, Paraguay. Methodology: Epidemiological, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Patients of all ages admitted with suspected meningitis and / or encephalitis were included in the study. Results: During the study, 173 probable cases of 201 suspected cases of meningitis corresponding to 0.5% (173/35140) of all hospital admissions were registered. The more affected age group was the group of children under 5 and among patients with more than 5 years, were between 5 to 14 years; In 53%, they came from the central department.98 cases (57%) were viral encephalitis; Acute bacterial meningitis 65 cases (37%); 7 cases (4%) Fungal Meningitis (Cryptococcus). Of 41 confirmed viral cases (42%), 29 cases (71%) were by Enterovirus. 18 cases of MBA were confirmed; S.pneumoniae (8) or Spn, S were identified. Aureus (4), N.meningitidis (2) or NmStreptococcus group B (1), E. coli (1), S. Epidermidis MR (1) and S. agalactiae (1); From 5 Spn the sero types / serogroups were identified: 6C / 6D (1), serotype14 (1), serotype3 (1), NmW 135 (1), Nmsero group B (1) in a young adult case. There were 3 cases of encephalitis and 9 cases of MBA. Twenty-five cases were vaccinated for Hib and 16% were vaccinated against P.pneumoniae; No vaccination has been registered for Nm. Conclusions: The total incidence of meningitis in this period of study was 173 cases. More than half of the cases were of viral etiology; The most frequently identified bacterium was S. pneumoniae. In general, the most affected age group was children under 5 years of age. The majority coming from the Central department and Cordillera. The lethality was 3% in cases of viral encephalitis; 14% in MBA and 43% in Cryptococcus meningitis. It is unknown the vaccination status of almost half of the cases especially of the anti pneumococcal.

Intralesional immunotherapy with killed Mycobacterium indicus pranii vaccine for the treatment of extensive cutaneous warts.

Background: Multiple cutaneous warts in adults are often symptomatic, cosmetically disabling, and difficult to treat. Killed Mycobacterium indicus pranii (previously known as Mycobacterium w, popularly known as Mw) vaccine has earlier been investigated in genital warts with encouraging results. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of intralesional injected killed Mw vaccine for the treatment of extensive extragenital cutaneous warts. Methods: In this study, a retrospective analysis of medical records was performed in patients with cutaneous warts treated with intralesional Mw vaccine. Only patients with more than 5 extra‑genital warts, involving at least two body sites and which had not shown any signs of spontaneous regression over 6 months were treated with the vaccine. Results: Forty four patients were treated with intralesional Mw vaccine. The mean number of warts was 41.5 ± 25.7 with a disease duration of 3.1 ± 2.5 years. Complete clearance was achieved in 24 (54.5%) patients with a mean of 3.4 ± 1.1 intralesional injections. Cosmetically acceptable response to therapy (>75% clearance) was achieved in 37 (84.1%) patients. Wart response at distant sites was seen in 38 (86.3%) patients. Thirty‑six patients (81.8%) experienced mild therapy‑related side effects. Eighteen patients with complete response were followed up for 5.27 ± 1.7 months and none had recurrence of lesions. Conclusions: Killed Mw vaccine is safe and effective in the treatment of extensive cutaneous warts. Larger, preferably randomized controlled trials are needed to assess its efficacy vis a vis standard therapies for warts.

Efficacy of bacterin-, outer membrane protein- and fimbriae extract-based vaccines for the control of Salmonella Enteritidis experimental infection in chickens / Eficácia de bactéria inativada (bacterina), proteína da membrana externa e extrato de fimbrias no controle de infecção experimental por Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) em galinhas

The efficacy of three vaccines was evaluated in chickens for the control of experimental infection with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) phage type 4. The vaccines were produced with bacterin, outer membrane proteins (OMP) and fimbriae crude extract (FE). The chickens were vaccinated intramuscularly with two doses of each vaccine at 12 and 15 weeks of age. The chickens were then orally challenged with 10(9) CFU/chicken Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 4 at 18 weeks of age. Fecal swabs were performed for the recovery of shedding SE, and SE was recovered from the liver and spleen. Additionally, antibody titers were measured in the serum by micro-agglutination test. The results indicated that the vaccine produced with bacterin yielded better results and resulted in reduction of fecal shedding and organ invasion by SE after oral challenge, although no vaccine was 100% effective for the control of SE experimental infection.

A eficácia de três vacinas de Salmonella Enteritidis fagotipo 4, produzidas na forma de bacterina, proteínas de membrana externa (OMP) e extrato bruto de fímbrias (FE) foi avaliada para proteção de aves infectadas experimentalmente. As aves foram vacinadas por via intramuscular com duas doses de cada vacina as 12 e 15 semanas de idade e desafiadas com 10(9) UFCs de Salmonella Enteritidis fagotipo 4 às 18 semanas de idade, por via oral. A eficácia foi determinada através do reisolamento da bactéria nas fezes e no fígado e baço, e os anticorpos foram mensurados no soro. Os resultados demonstraram que a vacina produzida com a bacterina foi mais eficaz em comparação às outras vacinas examinadas, para reduzir a excreção fecal e a invasão de órgãos após o desafio por SE.

The potential for vaccination in leprosy elimination: new tools for targeted interventions

Despite the huge effort and massive advances toward the elimination of leprosy over the last two decades, the disease has proven stubborn; new case detection rates have stabilised over the last few years and leprosy remains endemic in a number of localised regions. The American Leprosy Missions and Infectious Disease Research Institute have undertaken a large research effort aimed at developing new tools and a vaccine to continue the push for leprosy elimination. In this paper, we outline our strategy for the integration of rapid diagnostic tests and lab-based assays to facilitate the detection of early or asymptomatic leprosy cases, as well as the efficient and focused implementation of chemoprophylaxis and immunisation to intervene in leprosy development and transmission.

Mycobacterium indicus pranii as stand-alone or adjunct immunotherapeutic in treatment of experimental animal tuberculosis.

Background & objectives: Mycobacterium w (M.w) is a saprophytic cultivable mycobacterium and shares several antigens with M. tuberculosis. It has shown good immunomodulation in leprosy patients. Hence in the present study, the efficacy of M.w immunotherapy, alone or in combination with multi drug chemotherapeutic regimens was investigated against drug sensitive M. tuberculosis H37Rv and three clinical isolates with variable degree of drug resistance in mice. Methods: BALB/c mice were infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv (susceptible to all first and second line drugs) and three clinical isolates taken from the epository of the Institute. The dose of 200 bacilli was used for infection via respiratory route in an aerosol chamber. Chemotherapy (5 days/wk) was given one month after infection and the vaccinated group was given a dose of 1×107 bacilli by subcutaneous route. Bacterial load was measured at 4 and 6 wk after initiation of chemotherapy. Results: M.w when given along with chemotherapy (4 and 6 wk) led to a greater reduction in the bacterial load in lungs and other organs of TB infected animals compared to. However, the reduction was significantly (P<0.05) more in terms of colony forming units (cfu) in both organs (lungs and spleen). Conclusion: M.w (as immunomodulator) has beneficial therapeutic effect as an adjunct to chemotherapy.

Prevención / Prevention

En la actualidad, se cuenta con un grupo de vacunas desarrolladas para la prevención de infecciones bacterianas, incluso para realizar profilaxis. En la década de los 80 del siglo XX apareció la primera vacuna contra Haemophilus influenzae tipo b que redujo y prácticamente eliminó la enfermedad invasiva por esta bacteria. A inicios del año 2000 se observó una dramática reducción de enfermedad invasiva por neumococo, gracias a la introducción de la vacuna PCV-7 contra este germen. Sin embargo, surgieron serotipos no incluidos en esta vacuna, por lo cual se desarrollaron la PHiD-CV 10 y la PCV-13, con 10 y 13 serotipos, respectivamente. En contra del meningococo se han desarrollado vacunas polisacáridas que han demostrado efectividad, así como las conjugadas que pueden ser monovalentes y tetravalentes. La quimioprofilaxis se indica en casos específicos que se explican en forma detallada en este capítulo

Nowadays, several vaccines have been developed for the prevention of bacterial infections, and also for prophylaxis. In the 80's of the twentieth century came the first vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which reduced and virtually eliminated invasive disease by this bacterium. In early 2000, there was a dramatic reduction in invasive pneumococcal disease, with the introduction of PCV-7 vaccine against this germ. However, there were serotypes not included in the vaccine, which was developed by the Phido-CV 10 and PCV-13, 10 and 13 serotypes, respectively. Against meningococcus, polysaccharide vaccines have been developed that have demonstrated effectiveness, as well as the conjugate vaccines, which may be monovalent and tetravalent. Chemoprophylaxis is indicated in specific cases that are reviewed in detail in this chapter

Vacunas en desarrollo: Helicobacter pylori / Vaccines under development: Helicobacter pylori

La infección con Helicobacter pylori es la causa de patologías gastrointestinales como úlcera péptica y cáncer gástrico. Una vacuna contra H. pylori es relevante debido a la alta prevalencia de la infección y a la morbi-mortalidad asociada a ésta en nuestro país. El uso masivo de terapias antimicrobianas actuales no es una estrategia factible, especialmente en países en desarrollo, en parte debido al alto costo, los múltiples efectos adversos, el riesgo de reinfección y la emergencia de resistencia a los antimicrobianos. Numerosos modelos animales han sido utilizados durante años para determinar el curso de la infección por H. pylori y explorar la factibilidad de una vacuna, ya sea para erradicar o prevenir la infección. Dichos modelos, con la posible excepción de los monos, no son suficientes para responder preguntas fundamentales debido a resultados contradictorios. Un modelo humano de infección por H. pylori debe ser desarrollado con el principal propósito de seleccionar vacunas óptimas. El objetivo final es el desarrollo de estudios de campos de vacunas candidatas, pero el estado actual del conocimiento no proporciona una metódica adecuada para seleccionar tales vacunas candidatas promisorias. Dichos estudios pueden ser diseñados para proporcionar información relevante sobre la inmunidad y patogénesis de la infección por H. pylori.

Tratamiento de la neurocisticercosis: revisión critica / Treatment of neurocysticercosis: a review

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system. Several drugs, such as drugs against tapeworms, praziquantel or albendazole associated to corticosteroids, have been tested for the treatment of this condition. Although some have claimed the reduction or involution of cystic or granulomatous lesions, there is no consensus about the efficacy of these treatments. The natural evolution of the disease is not clear and this hampers the assessment of treatment effects. Moreover, there are no good imaging or clinical indicators that can predict the progression or spontaneous resolution of lesions, specially at the meningeal or ventricular compartment. Therefore, evidence based medicine does not have a definitive answer about the treatment, neither of seizures, the most common manifestation of NCC, or the varied and complex meningeal and ventricular involvement. This review includes experts opinions to give the clinician some clues for decision making in the treatment of NCC.

Role of mycobacterium w as adjuvant treatment of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer).

Mycobacterium w (immuvac), a new potent immunomodulator was evaluated as an adjuvant therapy in the management of non-small cell lung cancer in a controlled clinical trial. The standard therapy employed was combination chemotherapy in the form of cisplatin and etoposide along with radiotherapy. The group receiving mycobacterium w tolerated the chemotherapy and radiotherapy well and completed it as planned, in contrast to premature stoppage of radiotherapy in 50% of patients in the control group. Improvement in quality of life as measured by Karnofsky performance status was significantly better in patients receiving mycobacterium w. Similarly, effect on lung cancer was also significant with two-third showing regression in tumour size in mycobacterium w group. These also get reflected in improvement in the lung function.

Esplenectomia laparoscopica, ¿es la técnica ideal? / Laparoscopic splenectomy, is it the gold standard?

Antecedentes: A comienzos de la década pasada, distintos grupos de trabajo desarrollaron casi simultáneamente la técnica de la esplenectomia laparoscópica. Desde entonces y en base a la experiencia acumulada, llegó a convertirse en la vía de abordaje de elección. Objetivos: analizar los resultados obtenidos con la esplenectomia laparoscópica en 29 pacientes con patologías diversas. Lugar de aplicación: Servicio de Cirugía General N° 2. Prof. Pablo Luis Mirizzi, Hospital Nacional de Clínicas. Servicio de Cirugía General Clínica Sucre, Córdoba. Diseño: estudio prospectivo. Material y método: veinte y nueve esplenectomías laparoscópicas fueron indicadas en 22 casos de Púrpura Trombocitopénica Idiopática, 4 anemias hemolíticas autoinmunes, 2 esferocitosis y uno por hipertensión portal segmentaria. En los casos de esferocitosis maligna asociados a colelitiasis se realizo simultáneamente colecistectomía profiláctica. Fueron descartados los casos con: coagulopatías incorregible, ascitis y esplenomegalias superiores a 30 cm. Se indicó sistemáticamente antibiótico profilaxis, vacuna anti-pneumocócica, drenaje al lecho esplénico, movilización precoz y dieta liquida a partir de las 6 hs. Resultados: no hubo mortalidad y un paciente con esplenomegalia de 28 cm. fue convertido (3,4%). El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 90 minutos. En los pacientes con PTI se localizaron vasos accesorios en 4 casos (13,7%). Ningún paciente fue transfundido no superando el sangrado los 100 cm.' aproximadamente. La principal dificultad operatoria fue la movilización esplénica a nivel del pedículo en los grandes bazos y la hemorragia en pequeños volúmenes durante la disección. Conclusión: esta técnica ofrece una serie de ventajas que permiten situarla como el nuevo "gold standard" para la esplenectomia.

Background: At the beginning of the last decade, different groups of workers developed almost simultaneously the laparoscopic splenectomy technique. From then on, and based on the accumulated experience done in the field, this technique has become the preferred approach. Objetives: to analyze the results obtained with laparoscopic splenectomy on 29 patients with various pathologies. Location: General Surgery Service Number 2, Prof. Pablo Mirizzi, Clinic National Hospital. General Surgery Service, Sucre Clinic, Cordoba. Design: prospective study. Materials And Methods: Twenty-nine laparoscopic splenectomies were indicated in 22 cases of idiopatic thrombocytopenic purpura, 4 autoimmune hemolytic anemia, two spheroid and one segmental hypertension portal. A simultaneous prophylactic cholecistectomy was performed in cases of malign spheroid associated with cholelitiasis. Cases of incorrigible coagulopaty, ascitis and spleenomegaly, greater than 30 cm., were discarded. Antibiotic prophylaxis, bovine anti-pneumonic vaccine, drainage to the spleen cavity, precocious mobilization and liquid diet starting at 6 a.m. were systematically indicated. Results: there was no mortality and a patient with spleenomegaly of 28 cm. was converted (3.4%). The average surgical time was 90 minutes. In 4 cases (13.7%) of patients with ITP, accessory spleens were found. No patient was transfused when bleeding was less than approximiately 100cm. The main surgical difficulty was the spleen mobilization at the level of the pedicle in the big spleens and the hemorrhaging in small volumes during the dissection. Conclusion: this technique offers a series of advantages that allow it to be considered as the new "gold standard" for splenectomy.

Resultados del Programa Nacional de Inmunización Antimeningocócica BC en menores de 1 año en Cuba / Results of the National Program of BC Antimeningococal Immunization in children under 1 year of age in Cuba

La enfermedad meningocócica (EM) constituye en la actualidad un importante problema de salud en todo el mundo. La vacuna VA-MENGOC-BC ha sido aplicada en Cuba desde 1991 a niños menores de 1 año mediante el Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones (PMI), cuyos resultados se decidieron valorar con el presente estudio. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de morbilidad y mortalidad por EM y de acuerdo con los antecedentes vacunales de los 237 casos diagnosticados entre el 1ro. de enero de 1991 y el 31 de diciembre de 1996, y se estimó también la efectividad vacunal. Entre los resultados más importantes aparece la tasa de EM en este grupo de edad la cual ha disminuido de 49,9 a 13/100 000 habitantes, mientras la cobertura vacunal se ha incrementado por encima del 95 porciento, para alcanzar una efectividad vacunal por encima del 90 porciento. Fue desplazada la mayor incidencia a los 3 meses de edad, con una mayor frecuencia de enfermos en no vacunados. La letalidad general fue de 15,2 porciento. Se concluyó en que la aplicación de la VA-MENGOC-BC, como parte del PNI, disminuyó la morbilidad y mortalidad por la enfermedad meningocócica de los menores de 1 año de edad

Use of vaccine in the era of antimicrobial resistance: need of effective pneumococcal vaccines

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen causing invasive infections particularly in children. Penicillin-nonsusceptible pneumococci are very prevalent in Korea and a difficult problem in antimicrobial treatment. Immunization with effective vaccines including viral and bacterial vaccines has proven to be the most effective and reliable method to prevent the target disease. Universal immunization to infants with Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine has dramatically proven to be very effective in reducing invasive Hib diseases and also the carriage rate. The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is effective in preventing invasive diseases in young adults and covers most of the penicillin-nonsusceptible types. It has not proven very effective in the prevention of otitis media, and is unable to elicit adequate antibody response in children younger than 2 years of age. Recently a new polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine was developed which can elicit antibody response in children younger than 2 years of age. However, the vaccine is only 8-valent at the moment. Studies are required to determine the possible idiotypic modulation and nonproductive immune response when polysaccharide vaccine is administered to infants. Part of the problem of antimicrobial-resistant pneumococcal infection may be solved in the future with the use of improved vaccine. Preventing pneumococcal infections with safe and effective vaccines will not only reduce the development of antibiotic resistance, but could also be the most cost-effective method to control pneumococcal disease.

La inmunología del cólera y la biología molecular de la toxina colérica: progresos recientes y perspectivas futuras / The immunology of the cholera and th molecular biology of toxins

Recientemente Vibrio cholerae ha llamado mucho la atención de los investigadores por ser un inmunógeno muy potente y, al mismo tiempo, un coadyuvante inmunomodulador de la respuesta inmunitaria en la mucosa intestinal, tanto para los antígenos que se administran mezclados como los ligados covalentemente a la toxina colérica. La inmunopatogenia del cólera es un fenómeno complejo. En este artículo se comunican los resultados preliminares de experimentos realizados con ratas de laboratorio para conocer la respuesta intestinal de la IgA en los roedores y los humanos

Streptococcus pneumoniae: patogenicidad, virulencia, resistencia antimicrobiana y vacunas / Streptococcus pneumoniae: pathogenicity, virulence, antimicrobial resistance and vaccines

Se revisan los aspectos más sobresalientes de la epidemiología, virulencia, resistencia antimicrobiana y vacunas relacionados con Streptococcus pneumoniae. S. pneumoniae es causante de severos cuadros clínicos como neumonía, septicemia y meningitis, que en ocasiones surgen como consecuencia de infecciones en el aparato respiratorio superior y cuyas manifestaciones clínicas requieren de la hospitalización del paciente. Recientemente, el tratamiento de estos padecimientos se ha dificultado debido al desarrollo de cepas resistentes y multirresistentes. La apropiada intervención para la prevención de las infecciones y control de la emergencia de cepas resistentes incluye entre otros, el estudio de la prevalencia de cepas y serotipos resistentes, evitar el uso indiscriminado de antimicrobianos, el posible tratamiento de portadores y la determinación y análisis de los mecanismos involucrados en la multirresistencia. Por último, se analizan algunos aspectos referentes a los beneficios y limitaciones de las vacunas disponibles actualmente y las posibilidades de las vacunas en desarrollo